As northern Uganda and southern Sudan become more stable, large numbers of forcibly displaced people are moving back home. This process of rebuilding communities devastated by years of conflict brings much hope yet presents many challenges.
"Southern Sudan is seeing a massive influx of people returning from Uganda. New tukuls - small traditional huts with straw roofs - are sprouting all over the place in towns such as Nimule and Kajo Keji. Since June last year, Nimule has seen its population dramatically increasing in number - maybe even double what it was before, though no exact figures are available. This is not simply a one time movement - since the beginning of 2007 we have seen a daily increase in the population", explained JRS Nimule Project Director, Andre Atsu.
JRS feels that its duty towards the forcibly displaced only ends once they have settled back in their homes and are self-sufficient.
"At this delicate initial stage of the returns process, it is important for JRS and other organisations to focus on more than just day-to-day assistance to the returnees but also to help build long term structures and stability to allow the returning communities to take care of themselves as soon as possible. This is only possible through advocacy work aimed both at government institutions and at the returnee communities themselves", stated JRS East Africa Advocacy Officer, Anne Peeters at an advocacy and peace-building workshop held between 13 and 16 March in Lodonga, Northern Uganda.
The workshop was attended by over 20 JRS staff members, including the country and project directors from Uganda and southern Sudan.
The process of returning is not simple and not everyone chooses to move back home. Sporadic outbreaks of violence still take place in areas of potential return - with certain areas more affected than others. Small pockets of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) members and other guerrilla groups are still active, targeting civilians and aid workers for food and money. Much instability is also caused by inter-ethnic conflicts hindering the development process.
The security situation in southern Sudan improved recently due to effort by the government to improve the rule of law, provide training to police officers and increase the presence of security forces in dangerous areas. Nevertheless, work continues and further training to the police and other law officials is needed. The current lack of efficient law and order is leading to cases of mob justice by frustrated locals.
A number of people are still reluctant to leave the camps in northern Uganda, believing their quality of life is better in the camps than at home. Schools, medical facilities and law and order structures are still lacking and there often are not enough agencies, such as UN refugee or children's agencies, to cater for them on the ground.
In southern Sudan, the government education departments are still not functioning efficiently, leading to problems in the payment of teachers. This contributes to lower teacher morale, encouraging teachers, already in short supply, to seek employment where regular payment is guaranteed.
The medical and sanitation situation is also troubling. Many outbreaks of diseases - including a recent simultaneous outbreak of cholera and meningitis in Nimule kept schools closed for around a month. Public awareness of sanitation issues, improved healthcare structures and the availability of medicines, are crucial to disease prevention and control.
"At this time of rebuilding, it is essential to provide support for government institutions in building the permanent structures necessary for development. This needs to be facilitated by training and workshops for people holding public positions - to instruct them to perform better in their job whilst raising awareness on their duties towards the communities in which they work", stated JRS International Advocacy Coordinator, Andrew Galea Debono.
Another obstacle to the returns process includes land disputes. Some, whose livelihood depends on animals, do not return home due to a policy facilitating their return but preventing them from taking their animals with them.
Work must focus on helping the returnees and their families become self-sufficient.
At the same time, it is essential to prepare those who are about to return home to face this process with confidence. Refugees risk becoming dependent on assistance provided in camps and may fear being abandoned to fend for themselves. Capacity building, skills training and education empower people to face the future with more confidence and to start the rebuilding of their regions on strong foundations. It is also important to reassure returnees that they will initially receive assistance until they get back on their feet.
"As long as there is stability, the region has the potential to develop well - but this peace is still fragile. People must understand there will be no stability if they are not ready to live together in peace", stated Ms Peeters.